18 July 2014, Ralph Bunche Park, New York

I am delighted to welcome all of you. We are particularly honoured to have Kweku Mandela here representing the family of his grandfather.

Nelson Mandela International Day is an opportunity to reflect on the work of Madiba, a model global citizen and visionary leader.

Let us also pause to remember the recent passing of one of Madiba’s close supporters, Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer. Both of them strongly believed in the mission of the United Nations – and they helped to prove the value of our common solidarity in defeating apartheid.

16 July 2014, Santo Domingo

I’m very moved, touched, by what you are doing to make this country better for all through this very meaningful programme, “Quisqueya Sin Miseria.” I would like to sincerely thank and highly commend the far-sighted vision of President [Danilo] Medina [Sánchez] and his Government for this very meaningful campaign.

The United Nations is working very hard to provide education to many people around the world, particularly for women and girls and vulnerable groups of people, and marginalized people, particularly.

And you are the top exporter of Major League Baseball talent – from Juan Marichal and Pedro Martínez to David Ortiz and Robinson Cano to young players of Dominican heritage like Platinum Glove winner Manny Machado.

15 July 2014, Port-au-Prince

Thank you for this opportunity. I have had a very moving and inspiring visit to Haiti.

This is my fifth time as Secretary-General to visit this country. I visited on two occasions early in my tenure as a sign of my commitment to the country. I returned thereafter twice in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. Now I have come again at another important moment.

15 July 2014, Santo Domingo

It is a privilege for me to visit the Dominican Republic and its magnificent capital city of Santo Domingo for the first time as Secretary-general of the United Nations. I would like to thank President Medina for accommodating me on this very special night. I understand this is a very special night for the Dominican Republic [because of] the baseball All-Star game which is now happening in the United States and I wish you luck all the best.